ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM launches Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge, addresses cross-section of Industry representatives
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched the Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge at an event in Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi.
The objective of this challenge is to invite innovative ideas based on Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, Blockchain and other cutting edge technology to reform Government processes. The platform for the Grand Challenge is the Startup India Portal.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the Prime Minister complimented industry representatives and all others present, for their efforts in improving India’s ranking in “Ease of Doing Business .”
He recalled that when he had first articulated his vision for India to break into the Top 50 in EoDB rankings in the years to come, it was greeted with skepticism. He added, however, that a great improvement is now visible in just four years. He said the EoDB rank has improved by 65 spots in this period. He said India now ranks first in South Asia, and is just some steps away from the Top 50 target. He said that the Union and State Governments have both worked together towards improving EoDB, in the spirit of cooperative, competitive federalism.
The Prime Minister said that the Union Government has laid stress on Policy Driven Governance and Predictable Transparent Policies. He said that the reforms being undertaken by the Union Government are also aimed at improving ease of living for the common people. He said, today small entrepreneurs can do business more easily, and simple things like getting an electricity connection have got easier. He said that in the last four years, more than 1400 archaic laws have been repealed. He said dramatic reductions have been achieved in areas such as time taken for resolution of commercial disputes, and time taken for clearing imported goods. He listed a number of other areas, where great improvements have been made. He mentioned the efforts made for the MSME sector, such as approval for loans upto Rs 1 crore in 59 minutes.
The Prime Minister said that organizations such as IMF and Moody’s, today appear confident and optimistic about India’s future. The Prime Minister said that the aim is to make India a 5 trillion dollar economy in the shortest possible time. He said that for this, improvement is necessary in every sector of the economy. He said that the Union Government is also working towards an industrial policy which will be more reflective of current realities, and will be in accordance with the new vision of the entrepreneurs of New India. He exhorted the gathering to work towards achieving the target of a Top 50 position in EoDB rankings.
The Prime Minister said that it is necessary to reduce human intervention in processes, and increase the use of modern and digital technologies. He said that a work culture based on this, will further promote policy driven governance.
Special Service and Features
Pulsating sensor based conductivity meter developed by ICGAR, Kalpakkam
Pulsating sensor based conductivity meter is a high performance instrument developed at Electronics & Instrumentation Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research , Kalpakkam. This device is suitable for real-time monitoring of electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions in plants and field applications apart from its usage in chemical laboratories for analysis and quality control. Performance of this device has been validated with many applications in IGCAR and found to be robust even in demanding environments.
This technology was transferred by IGCAR to M/s Serve XL Enterprises, Bengaluru on 29 April, 2021. In an online meeting with the firm arranged by Incubation Centre-IGCAR, Dr. Arun Kumar Bhaduri, Director, IGCAR handed over the non-exclusive technology license agreement and the technology documents to Mr. Vikram Padaki, Proprietor of M/s Serve XL Enterprises. The meeting was attended by Dr. B. Venkatraman, Director SQRMG , Shri. S. Raghupathy, Director EIG , Dr. N. Subramanian, Head, Incubation Centre-IGCAR, Shri G. Prabhakara Rao, Head, SISD  and other senior colleagues. Shri Vikram Padaki and his colleagues from M/s Serve XL were the other participants.
Incubation Centre-IGCAR has been set up recently by DAE. For more information on spin-off technologies from IGCAR available for transfer/incubation, the Incubation Centre can be contacted through email “incubation@igcar.gov.in”, according to a press release issued by Smt. Jalaja Madan Mohan, Head TCPAS, RESD, HSEG, SQRMG, IGCAR, 26,Haddows Road, Shastri Bhavan, Chennai 600006.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Dredging of Barak River
The assured depth dredging work of river Barak  from Badarpur to Bhanga  has been awarded to Dredging Corporation of India.
The scheduled completion of the work of upgradation/ renovation of Badarpur & Karimganj terminals is March 2023.
The details regarding the utilization of funds disbursed by the World Bank to improve the waterways in Assam is at Annexure attached.
Annexure
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Project components
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Project cost 
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Total Fund received from World Bank
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Utilization

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Institutional, regulatory & safety strengthening
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147
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140.00 Cr.
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Rs. in Cr.
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%
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15.34
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18.51
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Fleet safety improvements and modernization
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175
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57.80
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39.57
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Improvements in terminal infrastructure
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385
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16.50
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3.45
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Project Management Support
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63
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24.90
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39.73
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Total
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770
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114.54
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14.88
This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Ministry of Defence
Heritage Centre of Indian Air Force, showcasing its legacy & technological progress, inaugurated by Raksha Mantri in Chandigarh
Shri Rajnath Singh terms it as tribute to the sacrifices & invaluable contribution of IAF personnel in the service of the nation
The Centre will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations: RM
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Indian Air Force  Heritage Centre in Chandigarh on May 08, 2023. The Centre, an embodiment of IAF’s rich history and legacy, houses a collection of artefacts, murals and 3D dioramas, showcasing the evolution of the force since its inception. It displays the heroic deeds of the IAF and the country’s technological progress in aircraft/equipment.
One of the highlights of the Centre is the array of simulators that allows visitors to replicate the thrill of flying iconic aircraft in the IAF’s inventory and gives them a chance to get a taste of what it feels to be a pilot. The Centre, now open to the public, also houses enclosures dedicated to the war campaigns in which IAF had participated. These provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the crucial role the IAF has played in defending the nation.
In his address after the inauguration, the Raksha Mantri termed the Heritage Centre as a testament to the courage and dedication of all those who have served in the IAF; a tribute to their sacrifice and a reminder of their invaluable contribution in protecting the nation. He recalled the contribution of the IAF in the 1948 war, Goa Liberation War of 1961, 1962, 1965, 1971 & Kargil wars, which showcased the force’s strength, commitment and professionalism.
On the 1971 war, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the jointmanship, integration and commitment showcased by the three Services during the war was unprecedented and extraordinary. He said, the war was not fought for any land or power, but for humanity and democracy. “It was a proof that India believes in ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ and it is our duty to stand against any kind of injustice. Winning the war on the strength of our strategies and not imposing any kind of political control there symbolised India’s strengths as well as its values and cultural generosity,” he said, adding that the Centre will be a reflection of this valour and commitment.
The Raksha Mantri further asserted that the Centre will serve as a source of inspiration for the future generations. “The IAF has a rich heritage and it is our responsibility to preserve and showcase it. This centre will become an important means of preserving the history of the IAF and motivating the youth to imbibe the values of the Armed Forces,” he said.
Governor of Punjab & Administrator of Chandigarh Shri Banwarilal Purohit and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were among those present on the occasion.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Efforts to Improve Nutrition Outcomes
Government has accorded high priority to the issue of malnutrition and is committed to improve nutrition outcomes in the country. Anganwadi Services, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Scheme for Adolescent Girls under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services Scheme  are targeted interventions to address the problem of malnutrition in the country.
Government has taken measures to strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach and outcomes with focus on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity to disease and malnutrition. Steps have also been taken to improve nutritional quality and testing, strengthen delivery and leverage technology under the Poshan Tracker, a robust ICT enabled platform, to improve governance with regard to real time monitoring of provisioning of supplementary nutrition for prompt supervisions and management of services.
Guidelines on Quality Assurance, Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders, procedure for procurement, for transparency, efficiency and accountability in delivery of Supplementary Nutrition have been streamlined. Government has advised States/UTs to ensure that the quality of supplementary nutrition conforms to prescribed standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and regulations made thereunder. States/UTs have also been advised to promote use of AYUSH systems for prevention of malnutrition and related diseases. A programme to support development of Poshan Vatikas at Anganwadi centres to meet dietary diversity gap leveraging traditional knowledge in nutritional practices has also been taken up. Mission Poshan 2.0, an integrated nutrition support programme, has been announced in Budget 2021-22.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM thanks Bill Gates for his appreciation of Mann ki Baat
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has thanked Bill Gates for his words of appreciation for Mann ki Baat.
The Prime Minister tweeted :
"I thank my friend @BillGates for his words of appreciation. #MannKiBaat reflects the collective spirit of the people of India to make our planet better, something Mr. Gates is also passionate about. The strong resonance with SDGs is highlighted well in the study by @BMGFIndia."
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Sharad Kumar visits National War Memorial, reminiscences the bravery of Gorkha Regiment
Paralympics bronze-medallist high jumper Sharad Kumar visited the National War Memorial today to pay tribute to Param Vir Chakra recipient Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, who was commissioned in third battalion regiment of 1st Gorkha Rifles, which was part of the 3000-soldier Indian aid to the U.N. Peacekeeping Force during the Congo Crisis of 1961.
While paying the tribute, Sharad recalled his school days in Darjeeling where he also grew up listening to stories of the bravery of the Gorkha regiment and said, “An interesting fact about this regiment is that there were about 10 Gorkha regiments serving during the British India Army. Out of which, six of them were transferred to the existing Indian Army but rest are still with the British Army under the UK Government.”
“They are known to be so loyal that even now they’re with the Queen of England and protecting her. This is one thing the Gorkha Regiment always believes in, Loyalty,” said the Olympics medallist.
He also observed the Next-of-Kin ceremony at the Memorial, which is a wreath laying ritual by a Next-of-Kin of a martyr every evening prior to the Retreat Ceremony before sunset. This ceremony entails the lowering of flags with the bugle call of 32 seconds.
He took a round of the Memorial and saw the murals depicting epic battles and operations of the Indian Armed Forces.
The National War Memorial which is around 400 metres from the India Gate has the names of all the Indian soldiers from various infantry regiments of the Indian Armed Forces who have lost their lives in different battles, wars, operations and conflicts of Independent India.
Cabinet
Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Denmark for cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding  signed between India and Denmark for cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The MoU was signed on 16.4.2018.
The MoU aims to develop bilateral cooperation in the field of Animal Husbandly and Dairying for the purpose of broadening the existing knowledge base on dairy development and institutional strengthening.
A Joint Working Group  consisting of representatives of each party shall be created to formulate joint programmes, facilitate cooperation and consultation and subsequent evaluation.
Danish partnership is expected to facilitate exchange ofknowledge & expertise in the areas of animal breeding, animal health and dairying, fodder management etc. aiming at enhancing production and productivity of Indian livestock including livestock trade matter of mutual interest.
Ministry of Communications
Pension Adalat on 23 August by Government of Maharashtra in coordination with The Accountant General -II, Maharashtra , Nagpur
A Pension Adalat for the redressal of grievances of retired employees of Government of Maharashtra will be held at Sai SAbhagruh, Gandhi Nagar, Nagpur on 23 Auguest 2019 Representatives of the State Government and Accountant General office will be present at the Adalat for hearing and resolving the grievances.
The Adalat will be held in two sessions. In the first session from 9 AM to 1 PM, grievances of retired officials from the districts of Nagpur, Gondia, Bhandara, Wardha, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, will be heard/addressed. The grievances of the retired officials from the districts of Aurangabad, Beed, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Hingoli Washim and Buldhana will be heard/addressed during the second session from 1 PM to 4 PM.
In order to facilitate prompt and efficient redressal of the grievances, the pensioners are requested to register their grievances with the Accountant General in advance. Grievances can be registered by submitting the same at the Office of the Accountant General-II, Maharashtra, Opposite Ravi Bhavan, Civil Lines, Nagpur - 440001 on or before 14 August. Grievances may also be sent by post to the above address well in advance so as to reach on or before 14 August. Grievances can also be sent by email on or before 14 August to the following e-mail id: pensiontakrarngp[at]gmail[dot]com. The complaints can also be sent by SMS/WhatsApp to contact number 9423441755.
Grievances relating to State Government departments related ,matters may be addressed to ‘Joint Director- Accounts & Treasury, Collectorate Premises, Civil Lines, Nagpur”, email jd.nagpur@mahakosh.in
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Special Service and Features
CMFRI identifies new fish from Indian waters
Kochi: Adding one more fish to India’s marine biodiversity, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute  has identified a new carangid  species from the Indian coast. The newly described fish belongs to the ‘queen fish’ group and is named as ‘Scomberoides pelagicus’. In local parlance, the fish is known as ‘pola vatta’.
CMFRI confirmed it as a new species after detailed taxonomic and genetic analysis. The new fish is distinct by deep ovate body, concave dorsal head profile and stout and less numerous gill rakers on the first gill arch compared to the closely related species.
There are more than 60 species of carangids in Indian seas, out of which four belong to the ‘queen fish’. Newly described one is the fifth queen fish from Indian waters. All over the world, three queen fishes were extinct earlier. “In the wake of many resources being increasingly threatened by depletion owing to their increasing role in the human food chain, identification of more new fishes assumes significance as it helps enrich marine biodiversity”, said Dr E M Abdussamad, Principal Scientist who identified the fish.
The achievement would also help in the betterment of Indian marine biodiversity status, he added. “In order to conserve marine biodiversity, information on overlooked species, their correct identification, updated taxonomic classification and grouping is the basic requirement”, he said adding that identification of Scomberoides pelagicus would greatly help policy makers, marine scientists and other stakeholders to work on management and conservation plans.
The new fish is available across coasts in the country including Kerala and is highly relished and has good demand in domestic markets.
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Steps taken by the Government to enhance the manufacturing of Covid-19 Vaccines in the country
As per Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation , CDSCO has granted manufacturing permission to private manufacturers for following COVID-19 Vaccines for restricted use in emergency situation: -
- ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 Corona Virus Vaccine  manufactured by M/s Serum Institute of India Pvt., Ltd., Pune on 03.01.2021
- Whole Virion Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine manufactured by M/s Bharat Biotech International Limited, Hyderabad on 03.01.2021.
- Gam-COVID-Vac Combined vector vaccine  manufactured by M/s Ra  Panacea Biotec Ltd., New Delhi on 02.07.2021.
Department of Biotechnology has informed that to support vaccine manufacturing in India, the Government of India has launched ‘Mission COVID Suraksha- the Indian COVID- 19 Vaccine Development Mission’, being implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council , a Public Sector Undertaking  of Department of Biotechnology . Under the Mission, clinical trial lot manufacturing of promising vaccine candidates including DNA vaccine candidate ; mRNA vaccine candidate ; intranasal vaccine candidate  are being supported.
Further, as part of efforts for augmentation of Covaxin production, capacity enhancement of Bharat Biotech is being supported under Mission COVID Suraksha. Also, technology transfer of Covaxin production from Bharat Biotech to Gujarat COVID Vaccine Consortium , comprising of Hester Biosciences and OmniBRx Biotechnologies Pvt Ltd, is being facilitated by the Department of Biotechnology.
The information was given by the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
CRPF in collaboration with Ministry of Women and Child Development is organizing a cross-country bike expedition with "Yashaswini" to celebrate women power
A total of 150 women CRPF officers will embark for the cross-country rally on 3rd October.
Rally will cover approximately 10,000 km, passing through 15 states and 2 Union Territories
The Central Reserve Police Force, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is organizing a cross-country bike expedition with "Yashaswini" a group of CRPF women bikers to celebrate women power or Nari Shakti of the country.
On the 3rd of October, 2023, a total of 150 women CRPF officers, divided into three teams, will embark on a cross-country rally. Riding 75 Royal Enfield  motorbikes, these teams will start their journeys from the Northern , Eastern , and Southern  regions of India. Finally, they will all converge at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat for the grand finale scheduled to take place on the 31st of October, 2023. The rally will cover approximately 10,000 km, passing through 15 states and 2 Union Territories. Throughout their respective journeys, in many districts en route various events have been planned, including interactions with the target groups of "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao"  like school children and college girls, women self-help groups, cadets of the NCC, children of CCIs, NYKS members, adolescent girls & boys, anganwadi workers etc. and felicitation of BBBP Champions.
In addition to promoting the Force’s message of "Desh Ke Hum Hain Rakshak", the women bikers have also incorporated the social message of "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao", into their campaign. They would be proudly displaying the BBBP logo on their uniforms and banners, thereby endorsing the cause throughout the country.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
‘Investing Life’ - a film on three common persons devoting their lives for service to others
A film on survival of every living being in unfavorable situations like social boycott, road accidents and man-animal conflict. This is how Vaishali Vasant Kendale, Director of ‘Investing Life’ describes her 52 minute non-feature film, produced by Films Division, that has been screened in the 51st International Film Festival of India . In the post-screening press conference held today, the Director said, it should not be looked upon as a biographical film. It recognizes the unconditional work of three common citizens. “They have been silently and single-handedly investing their life for years in survival of every life in surrounding area, which leads to betterment of mankind and ecosystem. There are many such people working at grassroots level. In return they expect nothing”, she said.
Speaking about the road accident sequence in the film, the Director said, “I was not in favour of showing the accident taking place. It was a big challenge for me. My moral was not supporting me in shooting and showing an accident sequence to the audience. Many were opposed to this view. But, I decided to create an aura of the road accident. I used montages for it. Message of the accident was sent across this way”. The film made use of surrealism and metaphors to tell three parallel stories.
The common grassroots level people portrayed in the film are devoting their lives for others. Hence, the name ‘Investing Life’, said the Director. “Biographies are made on great people. But, every living organism and common folks have a significant role to play in our world. All such individual roles are of importance”, added Kendale sharing her thoughts on what went behind the film.